One of my fondest childhood memories of Christmastime was decorating the family Christmas tree. And when I think about those years, something that made decorating a Christmas tree so special was the ornaments. Growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, you can guess the types of ornaments I loved as a kid. From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Looney Tunes, we had an array of beloved pop culture characters on our Christmas tree every year.
But I can distinctly remember being most excited about one ornament in particular. Inside of a small globe featuring a tree and snow-covered mountain was a small, illuminated town with a miniature train circling it. Released in the 1986 as part of the expansive Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments line, the Village Express Light & Motion Ornament was always my favorite. I guess it was the magic of the train moving inside, but something about it stuck with me all of these years.
Hallmark has been producing Christmas ornaments since 1973 when they released their first collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. That first release consisted of just six glass ball ornaments and twelve yarn figures. Today, the company releases hundreds of ornaments each year during the annual Keepsake Ornament Premiere Event held in July. To date, more than 8,500 unique Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have been released.
Over the years, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have cultivated a loyal following of collectors. In fact, there's even an official Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club with more than 500 chapters in the United States and Canada. Due to their enduring popularity and limited availability, many Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have appreciated in value since their release. After extensive research, we've prepared this list of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments ever made.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Cousin Eddie's RV
Even Mr. Christmas himself Clark Griswold wouldn't believe the price of this ornament today. Based on its appearance in the cult classic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament of Cousin Eddie's RV was released in 2009. In addition to paying homage to Clark's favorite cousin, this ornament also makes sounds. More than a decade since its release, this has become one of the most expensive Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments on the secondary market. But buyer beware, there have been multiple rereleases of Cousin Eddie's RV in recent years. The original was released in 2009, and a brand new example of Cousin Eddie's EV from that year sold for $550 on eBay last September. This makes it one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments ever sold. She's a beaut, Clark!
If you're looking to add the original from 2009 to your collection of rare Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, we recommend searching eBay. We've provided a direct link to many listings for this valuable ornament below.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Gone With The Wind Scarlett O'Hara
According to numerous reports, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament of Scarlett O'Hara from the 1939 film Gone With The Wind has been permanently discontinued. Although not officially confirmed by Hallmark at the time of this article's publication, some believe the ornament was cancelled due to the film's depiction of slavery and in light of recent worldwide protests against racism. As a result, Scarlett O'Hara has become one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments with recent sales of $690 or more on eBay.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone" Book Cover
In celebration of its 20th anniversary in 2018, Hallmark released a Keepsake Ornament depicting the illustrated cover art of the "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone" book. Given the massive popularity of Harry Potter franchise, it's no surprise that this has become one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. Despite being just a few years old, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament sells for $250 on average.
If you're a Potterhead looking to adorn your tree with the magic of this Hallmark Keepsake Ornament, you can probably find one on eBay at the link below.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Up On The Housetop"
This rare Hallmark Keepsake Ornament spreads the Christmas cheer with lights, sound, and motion all in one. Featuring Sant's sleigh and reindeer on a snow-covered rooftop, it doesn't get more Christmassy then this ornament. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas even goes up and down the chimney! Released in 2015, "Up On The Housetop" has become one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments in recent years. We found a sold listing on eBay from September 2020 for $250.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Mickey The Musician"
A recent addition to our list of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, "Mickey The Musician" was just released in 2020. This unique Christmas tree ornament depict's Disney's iconic Mickey Mouse playing a toy xylophone, but that's not all. If you turn the crank on its side, Mickey will move and play music! The battery operated ornament was sculpted by Nello Williams. Although a newer Hallmark Keepsake release, this Mickey Mouse already commands a premium, selling for $200 to $250 on eBay.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Ollivanders Wand Shop"
Every wizard needs a wand, and every Harry Potter fan needs a replica of Ollivanders Wand Shop on their Christmas tree. The narrow, dark building that is Ollivanders Wand Shop from the Harry Potter series of books and movies makes the perfect Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. It's also one of the most expensive. Released in 2016 for $24.95, this ornament now sells for $220 if brand new in its original box. If you're looking to add some Potter to your Christmas tree, click the link below to buy this rare ornament on eBay.
